Resolution No.(123)(10/2008) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies: "Ruling on Giving a Kidney"
Date: 29/11/1429 AH, corresponding to 27/11/2008.
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds; and may his blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
On the above date, the Board reviewed the following question:
I`m 37 years old and have been inflicted with diabetes for twenty four years. I also suffer from kidney failure and high blood pressure. Unfortunately, I couldn`t undergo kidney transplantation because the blood group of my brothers , sisters and kinsmen differed from mine. Moreover, I have gone to Malaysia, Egypt, Syria and have contacted people in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and India; however, I wasn`t fortunate enough to undergo that surgery because the law in those countries bans giving a kidney to a person from a different nationality.
I would like to attract your attention to the fact that my health is on the decline and I have reports proving that. In addition, a friend of mine is willing to give me one of his kidneys for Allah`s sake. Is it permissible for a non-relative to give his kidney to a patient because the latter`s family members have a different blood group?
After researching and deliberating, the Board decided what follows:
Giving a kidney to the (asker) in the above situation isn`t permissible because it is a leap in the dark, it violates Sharia, and there is an available alternative: dialysis. And Allah knows best.
Chairman of the Iftaa` Board/ His Grace Dr. Nooh Al-Qhodatt
Vice-Chairman of the Iftaa` Board, Dr. Ahmad Hilayel
Sheikh Abdulkareem Khasawneh/ Member
Sheikh Sa`eed Hijjawi/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Khair Al-`Eesa/ Member
Judge Sari Attieh/ Member
Dr. Abdulrahman Ibdah/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Oklah Al-Ibraheem/ Member
Dr. Abdulnaser Abu Al-Basal/ Member